I Lost Weight: The Most Inspirational Weight Loss Success Stories Of The Summer (So Far)

First Posted: 08/16/12 07:19 AM ETUpdated: 08/16/12 02:49 PM ET

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Every week, we highlight three individuals who have overcome obstacles such as unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, addictions, unsupportive family members, injuries and more in order to make possible what at one time seemed absolutely impossible.

These healthy-minded people have different ways of reaching their ultimate weight-loss goals, but the end results are often the same: a (well-deserved!) sense of accomplishment and a new, more positive outlook on life.

Their resolve is admirable and their spirit is catching -- just try to read these stories without wanting to get up and get moving! Week after week, we receive congratulatory comments from readers, who often express their own weight loss goals and the mark these stories have had on them.

In that vein, we wanted to shine an extra-bright spotlight on a few of the most inspirational weight loss stories we've featured this summer, in case you missed them while you were travelling or exercising outside. Collectively, they have lost nearly 1,400 pounds -- and gained tremendous perspective on what it takes to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Click through the slideshow below to see these extra-special stories. And don't forget that if you have a success story of your own, we'd love to hear from you! Just send your story and a few photos to success.stories@huffingtonpost.com and you could be featured on the site.

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Brad

Motivational message: "I now live in a healthy environment -- my body. I have learned that everything happens from within; joy, sorrow, happiness, pain and love are created by me, from what I carry with me and from where I put my focus and intention."
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/31/i-lost-weight-brad-swenson_n_1724107.html" target="_hplink">Read Brad's full story here.</a>

Suzi

Motivational message: "It blows my mind when I think of all the physical activity I am now capable of that I was not even before I <em>gained</em> the weight."
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/22/suzi-walthall-i-lost-weight_n_1618833.html" target="_hplink">Read Suzi's full story here.</a>

Kris

Motivational message: "I have the relief of knowing that I will not be responsible for any heartache that my mother and the rest of my family might have suffered had I died before 35. I have my life and for that I will be thankful...always."
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/15/i-lost-weight-kris-webb_n_1756208.html" target="_hplink">Read Kris's full story here.</a>

Corey

Motivational message: "It is hard to explain, but there is something about being overweight that kind of clouds up your mind and makes your reality seem fuzzy. But the moment I changed my eating habits and started exercising regularly that fog started to lift, and now my life is much more vibrant and crisp."
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/02/corey-barton-lost-weight_n_1624536.html" target="_hplink">Read Corey's full story here.</a>

Jennifer

Motivational message: "I realize how much my hard work has paid off, and it is actually enjoyable. I love looking in the mirror and shopping for clothes now, whereas before it was embarrassing and more of a chore."
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/27/i-lost-weight-jennifer-andersen_n_1683974.html" target="_hplink">Read Jennifer's full story here.</a>

Daniel

Motivational message: "You need to find your 'why' inside of you. Everyone needs to lose weight for the right reasons, otherwise you will fail. If I can do it, anyone can do it."
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/09/i-lost-weight-daniel-alvarez_n_1659790.html" target="_hplink">Read Daniel's full story here.</a>

Sarah

Motivational message: "Everybody deserves to feel this wonderful, and each of us has this drive inside to do better, to feel our best, to enjoy life!"
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/06/i-lost-weight-sarah-brakke_n_1655269.html" target="_hplink">Read Sarah's full story here.</a>

Jase

Motivational message: "Probably what surprises me the most is that I was consumed with my weight for 27 of the 43 years of my life -- and fixed my own problem in less than a year. My weight (which was a major cause for concern for so long) is no longer an issue in my life!"
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/09/i-lost-weight-jase-simmons_n_1659628.html" target="_hplink">Read Jase's full story here.</a>